Washington, D.C. / Minneapolis — President Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism after making derogatory remarks about Somali immigrants during a White House Cabinet meeting this week, calling them “garbage” and claiming they “contribute nothing” to the United States.
The comments, delivered against the backdrop of a major healthcare fraud investigation in Minnesota, have sparked condemnation from community leaders, immigration advocates, and elected officials in the state, which is home to the largest Somali diaspora in the country.
The Minnesota Scandal
Federal prosecutors allege that more than $1 billion was siphoned from public funds through fraudulent billing for non‑existent social services. Authorities say the scheme involved several individuals of Somali descent, though community leaders stress that the actions of a few should not be used to stigmatize an entire population.
Trump seized on the scandal to argue that Somali immigrants rely heavily on welfare programs and provide “nothing” in return, remarks that critics say unfairly paint an entire community with a broad brush.
Political and Community Response
- Rep. Ilhan Omar (D‑Minnesota): The Somali‑American congresswoman dismissed Trump’s comments, describing his fixation on her and her community as “creepy” and suggesting he “needs help.”
- Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey: Frey condemned the remarks as “wrong” and “ridiculous,” noting that Somali immigrants have opened businesses, created jobs, and enriched the city’s cultural fabric.
- Immigration advocates: Groups across Minnesota warned that Trump’s rhetoric risks inflaming xenophobia and undermining trust between immigrant communities and government institutions.
Historical Context
Trump’s relationship with the Somali community has long been fraught. In 2018, his administration ended deportation protections that had shielded Somali nationals since the outbreak of civil war in 1991. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has since prepared targeted operations in Minneapolis, raising fears of mass deportations.
Despite Trump’s claims, research paints a different picture. A 2024 University of Minnesota study found that Somali immigrants contribute $1.5 billion annually to the state’s economy through business activity, taxes, and labor participation.
Broader Implications
The controversy underscores a recurring theme in Trump’s immigration rhetoric: framing immigrant groups as burdens while data shows significant contributions to local economies and communities. Analysts note that such remarks may energize parts of Trump’s political base but risk deepening divisions in states like Minnesota, where immigrant populations are integral to civic and economic life.
